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Piers Anthony
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Skeleton Key (The Xanth Novels Book 44) Kindle Edition

by Piers Anthony (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 231 ratings
There’s no dancing around a demonic threat in the fantasy world of Xanth in the New York Times–bestselling series.
 
Squid, the alien cuttlefish, is getting an upgrade: a boost to her shape-changing talent so she can lead a mission against a foreign Demon who’s stirring up trouble in Xanth. At Squid’s side are her rescued siblings and one very special child—Larry, a girl in a boy’s body, who will act as a secret host for their adoptive mother, the Demoness Fornax.
 
Aboard the Fire Boat, they form a plan to disguise themselves as a traveling dance troupe. Each child is paired up with a native Xanthian. But it’s the friendship that blossoms between Squid and Larry that will power their quest, and they’ll have to do some fancy footwork to avoid the trials and tribulations that await them.
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  1. Book 44 of 47
    Xanth
  2. Print length
    310 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Open Road Media Sci-Fi & Fantasy
  5. Publication date
    February 9, 2021
  6. File size
    6.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 47 books in this series.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Piers Anthony
 
“Piers Anthony is one of those authors who can perform magic with the ordinary. . . . [He] is a craftsman.” —A Reader’s Guide to Science Fiction
 
“Anthony’s unflagging sparkle, verve and wordplay spin everyday trials of Mundane life into storytelling gold.” —Publishers Weekly
 

About the Author

Piers Anthony has written dozens of bestselling science fiction and fantasy novels. Perhaps best known for his long-running Xanth series, many of which are New York Times bestsellers, he has also had great success with the Incarnations of Immortality series and the Cluster series, as well as Bio of a Space Tyrant and others. Much more information about Piers Anthony can be found at www.HiPiers.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0887X5M17
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Open Road Media Sci-Fi & Fantasy (February 9, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 9, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 231 ratings

About the author

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Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

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Piers Anthony is one of the world's most popular fantasy authors, and a New York Times bestseller twenty-one times over. His Xanth novels have been read and loved by millions of readers around the world, and he daily receives hundreds of letters from his devoted fans.In addition to the Xanth series, Anthony is the author of many other best-selling works. Piers Anthony lives in Inverness, Florida.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
231 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining to read. They appreciate the puns and allusions, which are not sarcastic or insensitive. The writing style is described as quirky and fun, similar to The Wizard of Oz and Tad Williams' work.

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ReadabilityPuns
12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable. They describe it as a good read, fun to read, and another great installment in the series.

"...His writing is so loaded with -- not sarcasm, not inuendo, but a quirky combination of both...." Read more

"...I enjoyed it. Worth a read." Read more

"...This series is a big part of my love of reading. So I am happy to see it still going...." Read more

"...I still love them. The puns can cause some groaning, but still excellent...." Read more

4 customers mention "Puns"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the puns and allusions in the book. They find the characters fun and the writing quirky, reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Tad Williams' work.

"...As usual, the characters are fun and the puns are interesting! I look forward to the next adventure!" Read more

"...His writing is so loaded with -- not sarcasm, not inuendo, but a quirky combination of both...." Read more

"A fantasy romp with allusions and puns galore, reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Tad Williams' Otherland, it stands by itself...." Read more

"Many goods puns...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another fun story!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have thoroughly enjoyed this Xanth adventure! As usual, the characters are fun and the puns are interesting! I look forward to the next adventure!
    Helpful
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  • grandgodmom
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast delivery. It came faster than stated.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love these books and this author. This book was in perfect condition, and arrived fast.
    Helpful
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  • Myra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Skeleton Key
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Have really liked this author since he began his Xanth series. His writing is so loaded with -- not sarcasm, not inuendo, but a quirky combination of both. I'm sure that, while reading, I missed a lot of his humor (not that quick withjokes). But what I did get kept me laughing through each of his books. If you like to laugh, giggle, chhortle or guffaw, you, too, will enjoy reading any of the books of this series.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kat
    4.0 out of 5 stars It's Squid's turn
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    It's time for Squid's turn as the protagonist as her and her other
    four siblings along with five others go on a journey to stop a
    hidden danger that threaten Xanth and its people. There are
    thoughts and talk of sex and the Adult Conspiracy (as the children
    try to get around it and fail, deciding to wait.) I enjoyed it.
    Worth a read.
    Helpful
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  • Lonny
    5.0 out of 5 stars Still Great!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have been reading Xanth for around three decades. This series is a big part of my love of reading. So I am happy to see it still going. This book continues the ongoing story of the five portrait children. This time starring Squid the alien cuttlefish girl. I like that Xanth is becoming more inclusive by including gay and transgender characters. I really think Santo is one of the stronger male characters Piers Anthony has written. His intelligence and levelheadedness has won the day more than once since his introduction. Looking forward to the next book.
    Helpful
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  • Linda Lozar
    5.0 out of 5 stars Piers Anthony does it again
    Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have enjoyed the Xanth "trilogy" (yes, I know this is #44) for almost 50 years now. When I first started reading it, I was told I wouldn't like it. I still love them. The puns can cause some groaning, but still excellent. Just read it, you'll find the perfect place to go to when the world gets you down.
    One person found this helpful
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  • J. Steijn
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Lot Of Fun To Read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A fantasy romp with allusions and puns galore, reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Tad Williams' Otherland, it stands by itself. About children who are worldly wise in their innocence who must save the universe while they find themselves. I want more.
    Helpful
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  • james e. hicks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Many goods puns.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A good read. Too many characters to follow entire storyline. Like travel between dimensions. Good to why characters were related to xanth history. But must be a way to stop them from being orphans in the future. Didn't this book change Xanth future? Still, always love Piers Anthony's writing.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • walton hall
    5.0 out of 5 stars extremely good bbok.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    the book arrived speedily and in good condition. I read it and was absolutely thrilled with the story. I hope Piers Anthony continues to write more books.
    Report

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